tsars and iconostasis

Tue Mar 21 17:14:30 UTC 2006

     Byzantine emperors will the only laymen permitted to attend the Eucharist inside the sanctuary, behind the iconostasis. In this respect the emperor enjoyed the same solemn privilege as ordained priests.
I seem to remember that Russian tsars had the same privilidge. They were also the only persons allowed to cross the tsarskie vorota from the temple into the sancta sanctorum where the altar was. Can any Seelangers  provide additional details and/or bibliography on alla this?
Thank you for your attention and help 
            Giampaolo Gandolfo

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------